“ARRRRGHH!!!!”
“Go.. NOW!!”
Intense flames erupted from a large black silhouette. The radiating stench of burnt flesh and iron filled the air. The grit of the dirt dug into my skin, the ground was the only reprieve from the magical heat. I struggled to get up. I strained to pull all the vis from my surroundings, every bit my exhausted body could hold. I aimed. I yelled.
“Marcus, I will NOT leave you!”
I Fired.
-BOOM!!!-
Tingling spread through my hands, light blue lightning rushed towards my target. Albian, one of the servants of Mordred Thorn and most likely the one who planned this vile attack. In the split second after my, beautiful I might add, attack. I grabbed Marcus' hand and pulled with all my might. We need to get out of this cave. I ran with Marcus on my back. His diet does not seem to be working out for him.
“They collapsed the entrance of the dungeon…” Marcus said through a heavy breath as he pointed towards our escape..
We were just in this dungeon to train. How did that damn cult get into a protected area so easily? Unfortunately, I do not have time to worry about that right now. I am sure Albian will come out of the “shocking” state I left him in! Normally, it lasts thirty seconds. Plenty of time to get out. If Marcus was not in such bad shape that is. Who am I kidding though, I am not in much better shape than him.
“Marcus, I have a plan. Up at the top of the rubble it looks like room for you to climb through.”
“You mean us… I won’t allow this.” He coughed.
His words lacked confidence. I could feel his stare. Anger, resentment and worry. He knew me well enough to know what I was thinking. I lifted him up towards the pile of rubble. I could hear the rest of the group busily removing stones and debris beyond these damn rocks. Their voices only faint murmurs.
“We are coming!” Marcus yelled as I helped him to start to climb.
“I will be right behind you Marcus. I just need to slow him down a bit. No matter what, I will see you later. Promise.” I smiled disdainfully and gave a shooing motion, he wouldn’t leave if I didn’t physically show annoyance.
“Hurry up, your highness! The people can’t live without you! Long live the crown price! What would we do without lord Q-tip!” I shouted as I began moving the Vis around my body.
“You jackass… If your plan doesn’t kill you, I will” Marcus’ body covered the only source of non-magical light as he climbed through. Magical light has a strange tint to it. I have always preferred natural light. It is easier on the eyes. I degrees, It's my time to shine! Get it? I am so good at this stuff!
I made my way towards Albian. My plan was not to fight him wholeheartedly and win. It was to lose.. It was a bit of a long shot but I think my understanding of vis is proficient enough to do at least this much. I am certain that Albian’s goal here is not to kill Marcus, the 35 year old crown prince. It is to show the state that they can do what they want even this close to home.
Killing Marcus would cause too much of a stir. Me on the other hand, my death would prove a point. We will let them spread the word that they killed me. When I show myself again they will lose credibility. They will be so pissed! I love it! I hate those guys. Even before this.
“Albian, remember that time you thought you got me? No, not that time in eveleth grade, or that time in college . This time!” I shouted as I looked around.
Taunting him is one of my pastimes. I could feel the vis circulating through my body in just the right way. I was ready. My little taunting brought me enough time.
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“Liam Van Viea, “the great” or whatever it is you call yourself these days.” Albian said with a snicker. “Your death will not only bring me great pleasure, but a turning point in history. The rightful mandated rulers will take the country back! A new age of prosperity!”
Red flames rushed from the shadows towards me. If I was not prepared. That would have hurt. Like, really hurt. A lot. I dodged just enough to give me time to release the vis contained in my body. If this works I don’t think I will be able to stop talking about how great I am.
“Albian, did you get me? Will you ever be stronger than me? Will you ever get over your insecurities?! Will find out on next week's episode of…” I said as my body quickly dissipated into a sea of vis. Classic. From his perspective it must appear as if his magical flames consumed me and left nothing behind. He must be satisfied. I cannot wait to see his face when we meet again.
In reality, I had to end it quickly. His vis potentia is greater than mine. I would not stand a chance in a straight battle of strength. He knew it and I knew it. I would never admit it though. Teasing his pride was a source of entertainment for me. It made dealing with him and his little cohort easier.
This skill is something I created, I call it “vis state”, based on some research papers I found online by an anonymous user. I use vis to break down my body and mind into what many would refer to as the soul. To those around me I completely disappear from the universe. I have only used the skill a few times to show off to Marcus and a select few friends. Normally a few hours later, I reappear. It takes time to pull all of the vis back together.
Time stops for me during this time I think, but I always come out feeling clearer than before with a better feeling and understanding of vis. I have a few theories, but I am not certain how this works or even why it is possible. I have a vague idea what happens to me while I am in the vis state. The feeling of winds and temperature changes make up most of what I can sense. I get these feelings only when entering and exiting the vis state..
I felt a strong wind. It got warm quickly. Unusual for sure, but I am sure it is from my adventuring party coming to clean up after me. Albian would not stand a chance against a whole adventuring party alone. He may be stupid but he is not mad, he would run with my “death” alone.
My vis seems to have spread out more than I expected. I hope I do not take too much time. I am sure everyone is waiting for me. To praise my abilities and go celebrate at my favorite Korean BBQ restaurant, or do I want a burger? I don’t remember which place we planned to go to and my palate is known to be indecisive.
A dim, faint light began to glow. I cannot see it, but I know it is there. The light slowly grew brighter. Finally, I am getting out of the vis state. I have felt this a few times before. My vis is collecting and becoming whole again, an indescribable feeling of comfort. I looked up to see the cave ceiling… cave... This is not a cave. Did they find me before I became conscious? This is a hospital. I looked hurriedly around as I was thrust from my feet.
“Put me down your vile demon! You do not know who you are messing with!” I yelled, but that is not what I heard. I heard... Gibberish. I heard crying… I heard a smack along with a sharp pain on my behind. What is going on?! I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I am upside down and I am a Child! What is going on? I squirmed to get free.
“Oh look at him, he is so active! Congratulations lord and lady Reznor! A healthy baby boy, born 14 August, 2543.” Said a young nurse.
Wait? 2543 is the year? That cannot be correct. When I entered the vis state the year was 2020. No way was I in the vis state for five hundred years?! I must have been whisked away to another country with a strange way to tell time. After the awakening many countries tried to break from traditions so it is not unheard of for smaller countries to have different systems of measurement and time.
“Have you thought of a name so we can place it in the records?” An older nurse who must have done this a thousand times and just wanted to go home.
“Liam, Liam Reznor will be his name.” the woman holding me said. She appears to be under the impression that she is my mom. Crazy. She doesn't know who I am! She can not be my mom.
I coughed to gain the attention of the group.
“Listen. A mistake has clearly been made here. Let me go at once and all will be forgiven!” I put my arms confidently at my hips, or so I thought. Once again gibberish came out. My arms merely flailed about.
“Look at my little man. He has green eyes like his mother!” A man who I have to assume is lord Reznor lifted me up to be eye level with him. I do not recognize him. He has the look of a warrior. Strong jawed and a fiery passion for power in battle in his eyes. I like this man. Though, he thinks he is my dad. Maybe he could be a friend but not my dad.
In my body's current state I may have to wait. My control of vis is weak. My body is weak. Everything is weak. I cannot even speak. I have no choice but to play along with these people until I can escape to find Marcus and reconstitute my body. I need to meet with the inner circle to find a cure for this. I just hope I can keep my sanity in the meantime.